Psoriasis treatment: Coal tar

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12 Best Coal Tar Shampoos

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Here’s our process.

Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.

Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:

• Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
• Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
• Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?

We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness.

Read more about our vetting process.

Was this helpful?

• Best overall: MG217 Psoriasis Medicated Conditioning Shampoo
• Best known brand: Neutrogena T-Gel Therapeutic Shampoo Original Formula
• Best OTC extra-strength formula: Neutrogena T-Gel Therapeutic Shampoo Extra Strength
• Best for budget: Medicasp Coal Tar Gel Dandruff Shampoo
• Best sulfate-free product: ArtNaturals Scalp 18 Shampoo
• Best shampoo and conditioner duo: Pete & Pedro Control and Condition
• Best generic brand: True + Real Therapeutic Plus Tar Gel Dandruff Shampoo
• Best for thinning hair: Pura D’or MD Maximum Defense Anti-Hair Thinning Shampoo
• Best for dry/damaged hair: Tarsum Relief Shampoo
• Best for itchy scalp: Major Thera-Gel Therapeutic Shampoo
• Best for dandruff: MG217 Dandruff Therapeutic Shampoo
• Best maximum strength coal tar shampoo: Alphosyl 2-in-1 Shampoo

scalp psoriasisyour routinemedicated shampoo

psoriasis

Active ingredients

1% and 15%more than a century

may increasepsoriasisseborrheic dermatitisother conditions of the scalp

• Customer ratings: We included products that were as close to a 5-star rating as possible.
• User reviews: We looked for the pros and cons of each product as reported by real-life users.
• Active ingredients: Aside from coal tar, we also included a few products with other psoriasis-benefiting ingredients, such as salicylic acid.
• Scent and added fragrances: You’ll find a combination of products with added fragrances, as well as those with natural scents, based on your preferences.
• Moisturizers: A few of the products in our roundup include additional moisturizing ingredients specifically designed for dry hair.
• Affordability: You’ll also find products at a range of prices to fit your budget.

Pricing guide

• $ = under $10
• $$ = $10–$20
• $$$ = over $20

Best overall

MG217 Psoriasis Medicated Conditioning Shampoo

• Price: $
• Key ingredients: 3% coal tar
• Free of: N/A
• Pros: It has a higher coal tar strength compared with other OTC shampoos.
• Cons: It contains parabens, sulfates, and fragrances.

Customer reviews note that the coal tar smell can linger after use, but they have found the results to be worthwhile. Others advise that for best results, you may want to lather the shampoo and keep it on your scalp for several minutes before rinsing it out.

Best known brand

Neutrogena T-Gel Therapeutic Shampoo Original Formula

• Price: $$$
• Key ingredients: coal tar 0.5%, 2% Neutar solubilized coal tar extract
• Free of: N/A
• Pros: It helps control itchiness and buildup after first use.
• Cons: In rare cases, the shampoo may discolor gray, white, or color-treated hair.

Best OTC extra-strength formula

Neutrogena T-Gel Therapeutic Shampoo Extra Strength

• Price: $
• Key ingredients: 1% coal tar, 4% Neutar
• Free of: aluminum
• Pros: Extra strength formula is still gentle on the scalp and contains added moisturizers.
• Cons: It has an unpleasant smell

Customers tend to review the Extra Strength version favorably, with many noting that the unpleasant smell is worth the results. Some even note that this product works better than prescription formulas they have tried in the past.

Best for budget

Medicasp Coal Tar Gel Dandruff Shampoo

• Price: $
• Key ingredients: 0.5% coal tar
• Free of: N/A
• Pros: Tar smell doesn’t linger like other coal tar shampoos.
• Cons: It may be drying to the hair.

The manufacturer and customer reviews describe better symptoms after one use, though some users note that Medicasp may be drying to the hair. It may also take a few weeks to see the full benefits of this product.

Best sulfate-free product

ArtNaturals Scalp 18 Shampoo

• Price: $$
• Key ingredients: 0. 5% coal tar, tea tree oil
• Free of: sulfates, parabens, and animal products
• Pros: It’s great for dandruff.
• Cons: Some users report dry ends after prolonged use, and some mention strong smell.

This shampoo is vegan, and is also free of both sulfates and parabens. It’s also listed as a climate-pledge-friendly product.

Best shampoo and conditioner duo

Pete & Pedro Control and Condition

• Price: $$$
• Key ingredients: 1.8% coal tar, 1.5% menthol
• Free of: parabens
• Pros: As a duo product, this set helps take the guesswork out of finding the right conditioner to complement your coal tar shampoo.
• Cons: Some of the ingredients may be irritating for sensitive skin.

Overall, users report favorable experiences, including soft hair. However, one user on Amazon noted the duo products didn’t alleviate itchiness as promised. The peppermint oil and menthol may also cause irritation. If you have sensitive skin, consider doing a patch test before use.

Best generic brand

True + Real Therapeutic Plus Tar Gel Dandruff Shampoo

• Price: $
• Key ingredients: 0.5% coal tar
• Free of: N/A
• Pros: It’s more affordable than Neutrogena T-Gel Original Formula and has the same active ingredients.
• Cons: It may also leave an unpleasant smell.

Overall, customers agree that this product is worth the tar smell, and many are pleased with the value for the price.

Best for thinning hair

Pura D’or MD Maximum Defense Anti-Hair Thinning Shampoo

• Price: $$$
• Key ingredients: 0.5% coal tar, vitamin E, biotin
• Free of: gluten, sulfates, and parabens
• Pros: It may help treat thinning hair.
• Cons: It’s more expensive than other coal tar shampoos on the market.

Customers note that this shampoo has a pleasant smell, while others have pointed out recent changes to the formula that make it seem watered-down. Overall, this is a highly rated coal tar shampoo.

Best for dry/damaged hair

Tarsum Relief Shampoo

• Price: $$
• Key ingredients: 2% coal tar, beta hydroxy acid
• Free of: N/A
• Pros: It can be used either as a leave-in treatment or shampoo.
• Cons: It may be pricier for the amount of product offered.

One downside to this product is the price for the amount of shampoo (whether it’s 4 ounces or 8 ounces). However, customers note that the price is worth the effectiveness, and say that this product worked on their scalp better than prescription formulas.

Best for itchy scalp

Major Thera-Gel Therapeutic Shampoo

• Price: $
• Key ingredients: 0. 5% coal tar
• Free of: N/A
• Pros: It’s a budget-friendly option for itchy scalp.
• Cons: It has a strong smell.

Customers say that this product has a stronger smell, but many find the results worth the odor. Others note that the Major Thera-Gel Therapeutic Shampoo also helps control flakiness.

Best for dandruff

MG217 Dandruff Therapeutic Shampoo

• Price: $
• Key ingredients: 3% coal tar
• Free of: N/A
• Pros: It treats dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis symptoms.
• Cons: There’s a lack of customer reviews.

MG217 products are rated highly overall on Amazon. As of yet, this particular shampoo has not yet been reviewed.

Best maximum strength coal tar shampoo

Alphosyl 2-in-1 Shampoo

• Price: $$$
• Key ingredients: 5% coal tar
• Free of: N/A
• Pros: It’s designed for both children and adults.
• Cons: It’s pricier than other options on this list.

Name	Price	Best	Key ingredients	Free of
MG217 Psoriasis Medicated Conditioning Shampoo	$	overall	3% coal tar	N/A
Neutrogena T-Gel Therapeutic Shampoo Original Formula	$$$	well-known brand	0.5% coal tar, 2% Neutar solubilized coal tar extract	N/A
Neutrogena T-Gel Therapeutic Shampoo Extra Strength	$	OTC extra-strength formula	1% coal tar, 4% Neutar	aluminum
Medicasp Coal Tar Gel Dandruff Shampoo	$	budget-friendly option	0.5% coal tar	N/A
ArtNaturals Scalp 18 Shampoo	$$	sulfate-free option	0.5% coal tar	sulfates, parabens, and animal products
Pete & Pedro Control and Condition	$$$	shampoo and conditioner duo	1. 8% coal tar, 1.5% menthol	parabens
True + Real Therapeutic Plus Tar Gel Dandruff Shampoo	$	generic brand	0.5% coal tar	N/A
Pura D’or MD Maximum Defense Anti-Hair Thinning Shampoo	$$$	for thinning hair	0.5% coal tar, vitamin E, biotin	gluten, sulfates, and parabens
Tarsum Relief Shampoo	$$	for dry/damaged hair	2% coal tar, beta hydroxy acid	N/A
Major Thera-Gel Therapeutic Shampoo	$	for itchy scalp	0.5% coal tar	N/A
MG217 Dandruff Therapeutic Shampoo	$	for dandruff	3% coal tar	N/A
Alphosyl 2-in-1 Shampoo	$$$	maximum strength coal tar shampoo	5% coal tar	N/A

These shampoos

Research suggests

1. Thoroughly wet your hair, especially the scalp.
2. Separate your hair into sections as you apply a small amount of coal tar shampoo to each area.
3. Gently massage the product until you’ve covered the entire scalp and roots of your hair. Let the product sit for up to 5 minutes, or as directed.
4. Rinse out thoroughly. Repeat, if desired.
5. Follow up with your choice of moisturizing conditioner.

How often should you use coal tar shampoo?

Does coal tar shampoo cause any side effects?

Will coal tar shampoo bleach my hair?

Can using coal tar shampoo lead to hair loss?

may be seen in scalp psoriasis

What type of conditioner should I use?

How do you get rid of the coal tar shampoo smell?

Denorex® Psoriasis, Seborrheic Dermatitis & Dandruff Concentrated Therapeutic Shampoo, 296 ml

.

Denorex® Concentrated Therapeutic Shampoo

In 296 ml bottle.

Coal tar formula formerly known as “Denorex® Fortified” returned as “Denorex® with Therapeutic Protection” for the treatment of severe dandruff and serious diseases of the scalp. When washing your hair with this shampoo, a tingle lets you know it’s working and Denorex® with Therapeutic Protection leaves your scalp feeling fresh and clean.

For best results, Denorex recommends using
Denorex Extra Strength Shampoo twice a week and Denorex® Therapeutic Protection Shampoo 5 times a week.

Denorex ® with Therapeutic Protection

Contains the highest levels of coal tar of any other OTC formulation. The shampoo contains over twice the coal tar of Neutrogena T-Gel Extra Strength and five times the coal tar of other Neutrogena T-Gel formulas.

Denorex ® with Therapeutic Protection:

• Relieves anxiety and itching, flaking and growth, for a long time, eliminates the recurrence of these symptoms.
• For best results, use at least twice a week or as directed by a physician.
• Contains menthol that has a cooling and soothing effect that tingles and tingles the skin, leaving the scalp feeling refreshed.

Denorex® with Therapeutic Protection

Produced as Shampoo 2-in-1 formula: shampoo + conditioner. Both are fortified with Pro-Vitamin B5 to add shine to the skin and manageable hair. Usually this effect is achieved when shampoo and conditioner are used separately.

Made in the USA.

Note:

Impaired immunity is the leading mechanism in the development of psoriasis . In this regard, the use of drugs that increase the body’s protective factors contribute to a more effective treatment of psoriasis . As natural herbal preparations are widely used – Ginseng , Gotu Kola , Slippery Elm , Black Walnut Peel , Forskolin , Chinese Schisandra , etc. Ginseng is the most powerful natural remedy in the treatment of skin, immune diseases. In the treatment of psoriasis, it is recommended to use: B vitamins , vitamin A , vitamin D-3 and Omega-3 .

• Shampoos, Ointments, Creams

• Funds from:
  (type)

  Dandruff, Psoriasis, Seborrhea

Best Coal Tar Shampoos for Scalp Psoriasis and Other Skin Conditions – Drink-Drink

07/07/2022 DrinkDrinkAdmin

Contents

• Best coal tar shampoos
• What is tar shampoo?
• Why is coal tar shampoo good?
• How We Chose
  • Pricing Guide
• Our Picks
  • Best Overall
  • MG217 Psoriasis Treatment Shampoo Conditioner
  • The most famous brand
  • Neutrogena T-Gel Therapeutic Shampoo Original Formula
  • Best for Itchy Scalp
  • Neutrogena T-Gel Therapeutic Shampoo Stubborn Itch Formula
  • Best OTC extra strength formula
  • Neutrogena T-Gel Therapeutic Shampoo Extra Strength
  • Best for dry/damaged hair.
  • DHS Tar Shampoo
  • Best for the Budget
  • Medicasp Coal Tar Gel Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
  • Best Sulfate Free
  • ArtNaturals Scalp 18 Shampoo

  90 046 The best duet of shampoo and conditioner

  • Pete and Pedro Control and Condition
  • Best Combination of Coal Tar and Salicylic Acid
  • Sage Cosalic Solution
  • Best Generic Brand
  • True + Real Therapeutic Plus Tar Gel Dandruff Shampoo
  • Best for thinning hair
  • Pura D’or MD Maximum Protection Anti-Thinning Shampoo
  • Best Formula Maximum Strength
  • PsoriaTrax Anti-Dandruff Tar Shampoo
• How to use tar shampoo
• When to see a doctor
• Frequently asked questions
  • How often should you use coal tar shampoo?
  • Does coal tar shampoo cause any side effects?
  • Will coal tar shampoo bleach my hair?
  • Can coal tar shampoo cause hair loss?
  • Which type of conditioner should I use?
  • How do you get rid of the coal tar shampoo smell?

If you have scalp psoriasis, topical medications can help. However, you may also consider adding a shampoo to your routine to help get rid of excess dead skin cells and improve your symptoms. Coal tar shampoo is just one type of medicated shampoo that may help.

Here, we’ll cover the top 12 coal tar shampoos, how they work, and what you need to consider before you try them.

Best coal tar shampoos

• Best: MG217 Psoriasis Treatment Shampoo Conditioner
• Best Brand: Neutrogena T-Gel Therapeutic Shampoo Original Formula 90 047
• Best remedy for itchy scalp: Neutrogena T-Gel Therapeutic Shampoo Stubborn Itch Formula
• Best Extra Strength OTC Formula: Neutrogena T-Gel Extra Strength Therapeutic Shampoo
• Best for Dry/Damaged Hair: DHS Tar Shampoo
• Best for Budget: Medicasp Coal Tar Gel Dandruff Shampoo
• Best Sulfate Free: 900 04 ArtNaturals Scalp 18 Shampoo
• Best duet shampoo and conditioner: Pete and Pedro Control and condition
• Best combination of coal tar and salicylic acid: Sage Cosalic solution
• Best generic brand: True + Real Therapeutic Plus Tar Gel Dandruff Shampoo
• Best for Thinning Hair: Pura D’or MD Maximum Protection Anti-Thinning Shampoo
• Best Formula for Maximum Strength: PsoriaTrax Anti-Dandruff Tar Shampoo 9 0047

What is tar shampoo?

As the name suggests, coal tar shampoo is a treatment product containing coal tar as an active ingredient. It works by reducing the turnover of skin cells, which is a key feature in psoriasis. This product also helps to get rid of excess dead skin cells on the scalp.

Several OTC formulas are available, each containing varying amounts of coal tar and other ingredients.

Why is coal tar shampoo good?

Coal tar is mainly used to treat psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis and other scalp conditions. It is designed to combat excess renewal and buildup of dead skin cells right at the source.

By acting on excess dead skin cells, you can also relieve itching, red patches and other symptoms. In addition, getting rid of psoriasis patches on your scalp can help your prescription topical medications work better, allowing for better absorption.

How we chose

Our roundup of the 12 best coal tar shampoos for psoriasis is based on the following factors:

• customer reviews
• user reviews added fragrances
• humidifiers
• acceptability

Pricing Guide

We have included products with different price ranges using the following guide:

• $ = less than $10
• $$ = $10-20
• $$$ = more than $20

Our picks

Best General

MG217 Treatment Shampoo Conditioner Psoriasis Shampoo

Cost: $ $ $

• MG217 Psoriasis Shampoo contains 3% coal tar, which is much higher than most OTC products.
• This medicated shampoo is considered a maximum strength product that helps control scales and treats psoriasis symptoms.
• To prevent dryness, this shampoo also contains moisturizing ingredients.
• This product is recognized by the National Psoriasis Foundation.
• Customer reviews note that the coal tar smell may linger after use, but they think the results are worth it.

The most famous brand

Neutrogena T-Gel Therapeutic shampoo with the original formula her with coal tar, intended for the treatment psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis.

Best for Itchy Scalp

Neutrogena T-Gel Therapeutic Shampoo Stubborn Itch Formula

Cost: $$

• If your scalp continues to itch after trying the original T-Gel formula, you might want to consider switching to the Stubborn Itch version.
• It contains the same amount of coal tar as the original formula (0.5%).
• Unlike the original T-Gel formula, this version also contains menthol to help soothe the scalp and control severe itching.
• In general, users agree that this coal tar shampoo relieves itching, but also warns that the smell is not very pleasant.
• Availability is another consideration, as items tend to run out of stock.

Best OTC extra strength formula

Neutrogena T-Gel Therapeutic Extra Strength Shampoo , Extra Strength version contains 1% coal tar resins.

Best for dry/damaged hair.

DHS Tar Shampoo

Price: $$

• DHS Tar Shampoo is a gentler formula of coal tar shampoo that helps remove flakes and moisturizes hair.
• This shampoo contains 0.5% coal tar.
• This product is advertised as “unscented”, which means no fragrances are added. However, some users still report a coal tar smell.
• In general, clients with dry, coarse or damaged hair report softer hair and improved scalp after use.

Best for the Budget

Medicasp Coal Tar Gel 9 Anti-Dandruff Shampoo0058

Cost: $

• This budget shampoo is designed for both psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis.
• It contains 0.5% coal tar.
• This formula has an additional fragrance that helps mask the smell of coal tar.
• Manufacturer and customer reviews describe improvement in symptoms after one use.
• Some users report that Medicasp can dry out hair.

Best Sulfate Free Product

ArtNaturals Scalp 18 Shampoo

Price: $$

• Known for its eco-friendly products, this shampoo from ArtNaturals combines 0. 5% stone coal tar and argan oil for the treatment of psoriasis and other diseases scalp, which lead to dandruff.
• This formula is designed to be suitable for all hair types, but may be especially beneficial for dry hair.
• This shampoo is vegan and free of sulfates and parabens.
• Many users report benefits after one use, with maximum benefits after a few months.

Best Shampoo & Conditioner Duo

Pete and Pedro “Control” formula being a dandruff shampoo, while the “Condition” product helps moisturize your hair.

The best combination of coal tar and salicylic acid

Sage Cosalic solution

Cost: $$

• This shampoo contains 1% coal tar and 3% salicylic acids that help get rid of thick scales.
• Cosalic Solution Sage has a more liquid consistency, which makes it easier to apply to the scalp, but customers also report that it is inconvenient to use.
• Customers also report that a small amount greatly relieves itching and few people complain about the tar smell.

Top Generic Brand

True + Real Therapeutic Plus Tar Gel Dandruff Shampoo

Cost: $

• Advertised as an all purpose alternative to Neutrogena T-Gel, this coal tar shampoo oh comes in a bottle four times the size than famous brand formula.
• Like Neutrogena T-Gel, True + Real contains 0.5% coal tar.
• Buyers generally agree that this product is worth the tar smell and many are happy with the value for money.

Best for Thinning Hair

Pura D’or MD Maximum Protection Anti Thinning Shampoo

Cost: $ $ $

• Although Pura D’or MD Maximum Defense is more expensive than other OTC shampoos with coal tar it eliminates both the symptoms of psoriasis and the thinning hair that accompanies it.
• Key ingredients include 0.5 percent coal tar, biotin, and vitamin E.
• The shampoo is also sulfate, paraben and gluten free.
• Customers have commented that this shampoo smells good, while others have commented on recent formula changes that make it seem watery.

Ultimate Ultimate Strength Formula

PsoriaTrax Anti-Dandruff Tar Shampoo

Cost: $$

• PsoriaTrax Tar Shampoo with 5 percent coal tar s, intended for less frequent use to control symptoms for a longer time between hair washing sessions.
• According to the manufacturer, this maximum strength formula is designed to work on the scalp for up to 2 minutes at a time.
• However, there are also long-term health concerns associated with higher levels of coal tar that should be discussed with a physician.
• Some customers also note that this shampoo dries out their hair.

How to use Tar Shampoo

Always follow the instructions on the product label. Generally, coal tar shampoo can be used in the following steps:

1. Wet hair thoroughly, especially scalp.
2. Divide hair into sections and apply a small amount of coal tar shampoo to each area.
3. Gently massage the product until the entire scalp and hair roots are covered. Leave the product on for 5 minutes or as directed.
4. Rinse thoroughly. Repeat if you like.
5. Watch your choice of moisturizing conditioner.

Coal Tar Shampoo can be used up to twice a week or as directed by a healthcare practitioner. Some products claim to be safe for daily use, but you may want to consider temporary use only. It is not clear if coal tar shampoo is safe for long-term daily use.

When to See a Doctor

Talk to your doctor before trying any new scalp product. This includes over-the-counter coal tar shampoos. In addition, it is important to remember that coal tar shampoo should be used as an adjunct to other psoriasis treatments recommended by a dermatologist.

If your doctor has approved you to try any of the 12 coal tar shampoos above, be sure to monitor your symptoms and call them if your scalp condition worsens. The main signs to look out for include increased redness, burning, or irritation.

Finally, know that if coal tar isn’t a good fit for you, there are other types of medicated shampoos that may help. Talk with your doctor about other options, such as shampoos with salicylic acid.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I use coal tar shampoo?

This largely depends on the severity of your condition as well as the type of product. Some products are designed to be used twice a week, while others can be used every day. Read all instructions for use carefully and consult your doctor for advice.

Does coal tar shampoo cause any side effects?

In some cases, coal tar shampoo can aggravate an already sensitive scalp. Side effects include irritation, burning, redness, and itching. If you experience such effects, stop using the product and contact your doctor.

Coal tar shampoo can also increase the sensitivity of the scalp to the sun, increasing the risk of sunburn. Be sure to wear a hat when using this type of shampoo outside. You may also want to consider applying sunscreen to your scalp if needed.

Will coal tar shampoo bleach my hair?

Coal tar shampoo is not recommended for colored hair or natural gray or light hair. This is because coal tar can bleach blonde hair.

Can coal tar shampoo cause hair loss?

It is unclear whether long-term daily use of coal tar shampoo results in hair loss. However, hair loss itself can be seen with scalp psoriasis due to dry hair and scratching of the scalp.

What type of air conditioner should I use?

While coal tar shampoo can help keep your scalp healthy, you still need to use a conditioner to keep it healthy. Ideally, you should choose a moisturizing conditioner to counteract the drying effect of coal tar.